Team

BitGive has a dynamic, experienced, and purpose-driven team working together and with our partners to leverage Bitcoin and Blockchain technology for social impact and philanthropy. Learn more about our team members below.

Connie Galippi

FOUNDER,
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR

Connie founded BitGive in 2013, the first Bitcoin 501(c)(3) nonprofit and pioneer organization, leveraging Bitcoin and Blockchain technology via practical applications for humanitarian work in the developing world. Connie speaks internationally and is an advocate for diversity and equal opportunity. Previously, Connie worked with nonprofits in California for 15 years in a variety of roles, she remains involved as a volunteer for several organizations. She holds a BS in Natural Resource Management from Virginia Tech.

Peter Rexer

VP OF
ENGINEERING

A startup veteran from Silicon Valley; Peter is a software engineer, Product Manager, and Agile coach. He has written software and built engineering teams for more than 25 years. He was the first Platform Product Manager at Guidewire. He then led Box’s development of APIs. In 2015, he volunteered with a nonprofit that helps refugees. It opened his eyes to the needs of the nonprofit sector for better technology. Peter holds dual BS degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering from MIT.

Sole Canepa

PROGRAM MANAGER

Since getting her first computer at 15, Sole has been obsessed with technology and is bringing her expertise to BitGive. Started working in IT in 1999 for companies such as Telefónica, Microsoft, and Visa. Since 2007, she worked as Project Manager for an IT Startup where she discovered her natural quality as a project manager, customer service representative, functional analyzer, and scrum master. She studied Image and Sound Design at the University of Buenos Aires.

Jay Yerxa

NONPROFIT
PARTNERSHIPS
LEAD

Reno’s Bitcoin ambassador and local tech superhero. Over 15 years of experience in IT systems administration and security. He spent seven years at Microsoft with a year of that managing the global charity licensing program. Most recently he spent over 5 years at Patagonia as the IT Systems Manager. Born and raised in Maine, but now resides in the beautiful Reno, Nevada. He holds a BS in IT, Networking, and Security from the University of Phoenix.

Becky Patterson

VP OF
FINANCE &
OPERATIONS

Becky has over 15 years of expertise standardizing financial reports for management, and developing and managing organizations’ budgets to achieve goals set by management and board members. Becky also has significant experience in operations and critical administrative functions to maintain efficient and effective business operations. Becky graduated with a B.S. in Accountancy from California State University, Sacramento.

Lara Vu

STRATEGIC
PARTNERSHIPS
LEAD

Lara Vu, MPH has over 18 years of experience in establishing revenue-generating, global partnerships in over 23 countries. As a co-Founder of Alfabet Soup Consulting, she leverages her past experience with WebMD, Ernst & Young, and UNICEF to help organizations achieve social and economic impact, specifically through public-private partnerships. Vu earned her Masters in Public Health from Yale University, and her B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Elisa Cafferata

BOARD RELATIONS

Elisa is the owner of Cafferata & Co. In 2017, she teamed up with Clift & Co. to pass SB 398, putting Nevada on the cutting edge of blockchain policy. She is also the Reno Government Blockchain Association chapter leader. Elisa served for ten years as Director of Government Relations with Nevada Advocates for Planned Parenthood Affiliates. Elisa chaired the Nevada Commission for Women for 2016-17. She holds a BA in Communications from Mills College and a MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Sandro Medvidovic

DIGITAL MEDIA
DEVELOPMENT

Digital Media expert with over a decade of industry experience in everything Web related and then some. Sandro is quadrilingual, holds multiple degrees, is well traveled and bring his experience from multiple industries to the table. Sandro was a war refugee for 6 years of his life so he has a huge passion for helping people in need on a global level. Consider Sandro the heavy weight Digital Media advertising machine in your corner, ready to take care of business day or night as “The Internet” never sleeps. Sandro joins the BitGive Team as the new Digital Media Guru.

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